Citizenship

The “citizenship”, more specifically “the social and civic skills”, constitutes today the aspects that the European Commission identifies as essential to the development of youth and society. These skills are defined as follows:

“… Personal, interpersonal and intercultural skills that equip the individuals with cravings to participate in an effective and constructive way in the social and professional life… Civic skills allow skilled individuals to participate in an active way in society. Such participation reflects knowledge of the political, social and structural concepts associated with a democratic participation ” (European Communities, 2007).

Even though there could be different definitions about what could be social and civic skills, the European Commission established the definitions (European Communities, 2007), take into consideration the historic and European civilization background.

The term “social competences” are the ones associated with personal and social wellbeing, which implies an understanding of how individuals can assure optimal levels of physical and mental health for themselves and their family members. For the existence of healthy interpersonal relationships it is essential to understand “codes of conduct” and habits, and the ones that are also accepted in other societies.

Civic skills are based on a knowledge of democratic concepts, justice, equality, citizenship and civic rights; This also includes the knowledge of historical and political evolution of the society we live in. “Civic behavioural skills” translate into the ability to communicate constructively in different environments, to show tolerance and to understand different points of view, and to perform negotiations that build trust with the partner.